Rapids: Rapids or white water is called so due to the movement of water over the underlying rocks and depends on the river volume and rock size. The rapids are ranked on the scale of 1 to 5 depending on difficulty level. While a grade 1 rapid is something you won’t bother about, a grade 4 rapid has enough force to flip the raft. Thankfully, there is minimal risk at Rishikesh as most rapids are less than 3. The only one ranked at 4 is “The Wall” and it is at Koudiyala, some 35 Kms beyond Rishikesh. The best stretch for river rafting in Ganges is from Marine drive till Laxman Jhula.
The names of the rapids are really interesting – there’s 3 Blind Mice, Sweet Sixteen, Black Money, Back to Sender, Golf Course, Roller Coaster and Cross Fire. From Marine Drive till Rishikesh as you raft downstream you will come across 12 rapids which are thrilling yet perfectly safe. The camps provide rafting gear, protective cap, paddle and life jacket that keeps you safe and floating, no matter even if you don’t know swimming. There is a short Safety Training session prior to the trip to let all understand the rafting guide’s commands and emergency procedures – just in case.
